Rating of the best air humidifiers for apartments for 2021

Why do you need a humidifier, advantages and disadvantages

Some people start complaining about a closed window a few seconds after closing it. No wonder, because no one likes to be in a stuffy room. There is a solution - a humidifier. Sweating and shortness of breath are not the only problems caused by heat and stuffiness. Dry air can also cause a runny nose and sore throat, dull hair and chapped lips. It can also contribute to respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, and sleep problems. A humidifier can help get rid of all these troubles.

Indoor air quality is very important to people's health and well-being. Without water vapor in the environment, human skin becomes rough, hair loses color and breaks, and eyes become red and dry quickly.

ATTENTION! These are just the initial symptoms, which are quickly followed by fatigue, confusion and health problems (for example, in the respiratory system).

Humid air has a positive effect on human health and well-being, so if there is a lack of it, use a humidifier. While performing such an important function, it operates quietly and consumes very little energy. The only thing you should not forget about is maintenance - weekly mandatory filter cleaning.

How to choose a humidifier

Problems with “over-dried” indoor air will disappear forever if homeowners purchase a good and inexpensive device that increases humidity. However, the choice of this useful device must be made with extreme caution so as not to buy a model with inappropriate key parameters and additional options that significantly affect the cost of the device, but will be useless during operation.

What to look for when choosing a humidifier:

• type of device (determined by the method of air humidification);
• power (level of power consumption);
• productivity (selected according to the area);
• tank capacity (determined by water consumption);
• continuous operation time;
• type of control (manual or remote);
• noise (ideally up to 30 dB);
• the presence of a filter (to clean rooms from dust and pathogens), etc.

Useful additional options include:

• adjustment of evaporation intensity (selection of operating mode);
• timer (setting the time for starting and shutting down the device);
• hygrostat (a device for automatically turning on and off the device to correct the ideal level of air humidity).

In addition, do not forget about the brand’s reputation. For example, the best budget models on the Russian market are supplied by Timberk, Galaxy and AQUATOR. Among middle-class household appliances with the ability to purify and ionize air, products under the Redmont, Polaris and Scarlett brands stand out. The elite class includes cleaning devices from well-known manufacturers Bork, Sharp and Electrolux.

The most common mistakes that buyers of steam humidifiers make:

1. Owners of small apartments should not buy a super-powerful humidifier, unless of course they want to turn their home into a sauna.
2. It would also be extremely impractical to purchase a humidifying device that requires distilled (specially purified) water during operation.
3. You should not buy a steam humidifier for an apartment or other room where there are small children or animals for reasons of basic safety. After all, steam can cause serious damage to the health of a curious baby or pet.

It remains to understand the pros and cons of each type of this useful household appliance. This will help you understand how to choose the best, inexpensive and effective steam humidifier.

Types of Home Humidifiers

The humidifier market is not very diverse. There are only a few types. Let's take a closer look at them.

Steam

It works in a more familiar way. Moisture in the air is created by heating the water in the device and producing steam. This steam escapes and spreads throughout the room.

Traditional

The most common are traditional humidifiers. The principle of their operation is to obtain moisture due to high-frequency vibrations of the ultrasonic membrane inside the device. The characteristic feature of this method is a kind of mist in the air, rather than steam in its classical form. This mist consists of small droplets that are “excited” by the vibration of the water.

Ultrasonic

The work is based on the principle of saturating the air with moisture, which then comes out from the wet surface of the evaporating elements. Humidifiers have a special filter for this purpose.

Ultrasonic humidifier

Devices of this type most effectively cope with air saturation with moisture in any room. The operating principle of these units is to apply ultrasound with a wave range within 5 MHz to the water surface. As a result, a “fog” of tiny water particles forms above the water, which enters the room naturally or with the help of a fan.

Technical characteristics: productivity is usually from 7 to 12 liters per day with a power of 40 to 50 W. However, the power of models with heated water can exceed 125W.

pros

The advantages of ultrasonic devices are:

• the ability to increase air humidity above normal;
• cold steam, the temperature of which, in the absence of a heater, does not exceed 20 degrees;
• very low noise level;
• water heating (as an additional option).

Minuses

Let's move on to the disadvantages:

• increased requirements for water quality (ideally, you should use exclusively distilled water);
• along with the steam supplied from the device, harmful substances can enter the room - from heavy metal salts to dangerous microorganisms;
• increased water consumption with a small tank capacity intended for storing liquid.

The best manufacturers of household humidifiers

The review includes models from manufacturers of all segments that meet the conditions necessary for a quality device and guarantee high reliability, safety and flawless operation of the device for its intended purpose. List of best humidifier brands:

Panasonic, an equally reputable brand, offers a wide range of humidifier features. Moreover, among their assortment, everyone can find a suitable model for themselves, since there are offers in different price segments.

Xiaomi is a manufacturer known for its quality in the production of Smart gadgets. The range is really huge, especially in the field of humidifiers. The Deerma air humidifier is a leader in sales. The presented models are known to the general public due to their stylish appearance and high quality workmanship.

AIC is a company specializing in humidifiers and air purifiers. This category presents a wide range of air washer models, where each user can find a suitable option.

Electrolux - the company is considered one of the best in the production of air humidifiers. Models of this brand form the most optimal price-quality ratio. The brand is constantly developing production technologies and introducing new ones.

Ballu - the products of this brand already belong to the low price segment and represent the most budget options with a wide range of additional functions. Despite this, the equipment is often not inferior to the leaders in the middle price category.

Boneco has been a leader in the humidifier market for many years. Mainly engaged in the production of ultrasonic models in the premium segment, but you can find other options at average prices. The company is characterized by a wide range of products offered for climate control.

Types of humidifiers

All humidifiers are divided into three types:

• Devices for natural humidification due to conventional steam generation. Dry air is driven by a fan through a wet filter sponge. There are several modes for selecting the intensity of steam generation, but it is impossible to humidify the air above 65%. Natural humidifiers are easy to use and consume little electricity and water. However, the built-in fan creates a lot of noise when operating, and despite the presence of a quieter night mode, using such a device at night interferes with sleep and causes discomfort.

• Steam humidifiers. The operating principle of such a device is the formation of hot steam when water hits the heating elements. These humidifiers require extra care and safety precautions to avoid burns from hot steam. Appliances consume more water and electricity compared to similar devices. A characteristic noise is created when water boils; the sound remains significant even if the night mode is turned on.

• Ultrasonic humidifiers. They operate on the basis of ultrasound and are the quietest in the rating of climate control devices. Passing through a special membrane, water under the influence of sound waves turns into fine water dust. The devices consume little electricity and have the highest performance - they are able to maintain humidity at 80%.

We recommend that you read: What kind of water to pour into a humidifier

The first two types of humidifiers cannot be called either silent or completely safe. The latest ultrasonic humidifiers are considered the quietest.

Which air humidifier is better to choose for an apartment?

To decide which humidifier to buy, there are many things you need to consider. After choosing the type of humidifier and allocating an approximate budget for purchase, refer to the following criteria:

Useful space. For the device to work effectively, it must be able to supply moisture to the entire room. Typically, the area that the device can process is indicated on the packaging.

Placement method. A distinction is made between floor and wall mounting. In most cases placement is not significant, but there are a few cases where it really matters. When buying a humidifier for a child's room, it is better to purchase a wall-mounted version, as the child's curiosity can get the better of it. For example, touching a steam humidifier can cause burns.

Additional functionality. There are models that can ionize the air, purify it with ultraviolet light and aromatize it. The price for such models is much higher, but often these functions are not even used by the owners.

Tank volume. This indicator determines the operating time of the humidifier without adding water to the tank. For those who do not want to constantly add water, it is better to give preference to models with a large capacity.

ADVICE. Almost all models have water level indicators in the tank for convenience. Some turn off automatically when the water runs out, others without this feature may break or emit an unpleasant odor.

Rating of humidifiers by noise level

Stadler Form Jack J-020/021

Stadler Form Jack J-020/021

Polaris PUH 5206Di

Polaris PUH 5206Di

We recommend that you read: Air washer or humidifier, which is better?

Electrolux EHU-5515D

Electrolux EHU-5515D

Royal Clima Sanremo (RUH-S380/3.0M)

Royal Clima Sanremo (RUH-S380/3.0M)

BALLU UHB-400

BALLU UHB-400

Additional selection criteria

Before purchasing any device, it will be useful to study what the market offers, determine the necessary parameters and read reviews.

In order to choose the right functional and silent model, you need to take into account several parameters:

• The area of ​​the room that is planned to be humidified. Ultrasonic humidifiers are ideal for an area of ​​30-40 square meters. m., but they may not be able to cope with a larger area.
• Compactness. In small rooms (up to 20 m2), the size of the device is often of decisive importance. In addition, a small device is easier to transport from one room to another.
• Water tank volume. The larger it is, the longer the operating time without refueling.
• Energy consumption. To save energy, you should pay attention to models without a steam sterilization function.
• The cost and availability of replacement cartridges, which should always be available at a comfortable price. It is better to choose humidifiers from reputable brands that take care of customers and provide a full range of spare parts and consumables after purchase.
• Degree of automation. The humidifier should be as easy to use as possible for any family member.

It is important! If the device is used infrequently, and the volume of the water container is large, then harmful bacteria can multiply in stagnant water. If used irregularly, ensure that the water is fresh.

The best inexpensive air humidifiers for an apartment under 3,000 rubles

If you do not plan to constantly use the humidifier and will use it occasionally, you can safely choose from models in the low price segment. They cannot offer wide functionality and in many ways lag behind the average level, but they perform their functions.

You can buy a good cheap device in the budget segment, but if you ask yourself which air humidifier is the best for an apartment, then in this segment the models will not even come close to the reliability and functionality that more expensive devices offer.

How to choose a good one

Before choosing a humidifier, you need to pay attention to the criteria that play a primary role for you and additional functions. Be sure to consider before purchasing the device:

1. Room size. Manufacturers indicate in the instructions how much area the humidifier covers. The larger the room, the larger the water tank and the higher the intensity should be.
2. Water consumption and tank capacity. Calculate the time it takes for water to evaporate from a full tank. It should not be less than 8 hours, otherwise the device will notify you in the middle of the night that you need to add water.
3. Noise level. Here we are talking not only about the constant hum of the device, but also about additional sound signals - a low water level indicator or “gurgling” during operation.
4. Energy consumption. Typically, a steam humidifier consumes the most electricity, followed by ultrasonic and traditional ones.
5. The presence of a hygrometer, hygrostat. You can set the desired humidity level and device. Having achieved it, it will automatically turn off.
6. Control type. There are three ways: built-in panel, remote control or smartphone. There are also models equipped with a smart home system (for example, Xiaomi).
7. Backlight. Light indicators on the panel will provide information about the humidity level and operating mode even at night, but excessive brightness can interfere with sleep.
8. Ergonomics. Evaluate how convenient it will be for you to use the humidifier, the ability to add water, change the filter, and clean the device itself.
9. Ionization (increase in negatively charged particles) and aromatization of air.

Before purchasing, decide which features are worth paying extra for.

Traditional humidifiers

Ballu EHB-010

Average price: 2900 rub.

The Ballu concern supplies our market with a budget compact air humidifier with a simple design. Due to the low rate of water evaporation, it is able to work all night without stopping. The sponge inside the device absorbs dust well and requires replacement every six months. Buyers complain about frequent fan breakdowns.Re

Advantages

• several evaporation modes;
• aromatization;
• night mode, which makes the fan run quieter;
• water control function;
• sleep timer;
• low declared noise level

Flaws

• slowly moisturizes;
• no hygrometer;
• poor ergonomics;
• It is necessary to replace the sponge 2 times a year.

Coway AM-1012ED

Average price: 13190 rub.

The model from the South Korean company, unlike its previous competitor, is equipped with a hygrostat. It has a pre-filter that does not require replacement, and the cartridges are easy to clean. The automatic operating mode calculates the optimal humidity.

Advantages

• ionization;
• 3 operating speeds, including night mode;
• convenient pouring of water from above;
• timer;
• auto shut-off function when there is no water;
• aromatization.

Flaws

• inaccurate hygrostat;
• loud melody when turning the device on and off;
• high price.

Philips HU 4706 / HU 4707

Average price: 4900 rub.

A compact device from a well-known brand with the NanoCloud function is designed to purify and humidify the air in a small room. Stylish design and comfortable ergonomics make it a pleasant part of any interior.

Advantages

• low power consumption;
• convenient to pour water;
• 2 operating speeds, including night mode;
• Automatic shut-off function when there is no water.

Flaws

• no hygrometer;
• poor room humidity;
• The filter needs to be replaced every 3 months (can be found on Aliexpress for little money).

Which inexpensive air humidifier is better to choose?

This concludes our rating of the best inexpensive humidifiers. It presented functional models with interesting design solutions. One of their main advantages is their relatively low price. We'll also give you some tips for choosing:

• If you are the owner of a small room, then models that humidify the air and are designed for a small area are suitable for you. Those who have large-sized housing should pay attention to Xiaomi Deerma DEM-F600, MARTA MT-2689 and Ballu UHB-310. Their effect extends to an area of ​​40 sq.m.
• Fans of aroma candles and aroma lamps can take a closer look at devices that combine not only the function of a humidifier, but also an air flavoring agent. This way you will not only increase the humidity in the room, but also enjoy your favorite aroma.
• For those who are constantly on the move and want to breathe easily and freely, the Electrolux EHU-4015 is suitable. This compact model does not require much space, it will fit in a small bag, besides, it weighs little and takes up minimal space on your desktop.
• CS Medica KIDS CS-19h will decorate any children's room, and your child will delight with its bear design.
• To increase your own safety, you should also choose humidifiers that automatically turn off when there is no water in the tank.

Well, we wish you a pleasant shopping experience!
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Ultrasonic humidifiers

Boneco U700

Average price: 14520 rub.

Thanks to the large tank, the premium model from the Swiss company can work without adding water for 15-20 hours. Due to the presence of a demineralizing cartridge, pre-heating of water and an ionizing silver rod Ionic Silver Stick, harmful impurities do not enter the air, and a white coating does not form on the furniture.

Advantages

• aromatization;
• air purification;
• fan speed adjustment;
• timer;
• the ability to dim the display and illuminate the case at night;
• low notification volume;
• adjustment of the direction of blowing and humidification;
• control of water level and cleaning of the device;
• large water tank.

Flaws

• inconvenient to pour water;
• noisy;
• the concentrate settles inside and around the device itself;
• incorrect hygrostat;
• The stated performance is not true.

Timberk THU ADF 01

Average price: 2322 rub.

The youthful, inexpensive model focuses on creating an atmosphere - the device works primarily as a fragrance, night light, speaker, and only then as an air humidifier.

Advantages

• Bluetooth connection with phone: support iOS, Android;
• acoustics 3 W;
• 4 colors and 3 types of backlight;
• flavoring;
• small size.

Flaws

• the need to add water every 4 hours;
• poor hydration;
• no hygrometer.

Electrolux EHU-3710D/3715D

Average price: 7240 rub.

The humidifier from the Swedish company is equipped with a demineralizing cartridge, water preheating, an ionizer function and a UV lamp, so it works as an air purifier and helps to avoid white deposits.

Advantages

• adjustment of the direction of blowing and humidification;
• fan speed adjustment;
• aromatization;
• antibacterial coating of the water tank;
• backlight;
• 4 operating modes;
• remote control;
• timer;
• indication of low water level, humidity and temperature.

Flaws

• heavy condensation;
• an erroneous hygrometer, due to which the room is over-humidified;
• the screen is too bright, there is no backlighting of the buttons;
• a filter cartridge that needs to be changed frequently is difficult to find on sale;
• inconvenient to fill with water.

Steam humidifiers

Ballu UHB-310

Average price: 2055 rub.

A reliable model that truly cleans and humidifies the air thanks to the demineralizing cartridge and pre-filter. The only device that definitely will not interfere with night sleep is that there is no bright lighting or loud sounds.

Advantages

• adjustment of the direction of blowing and humidification;
• 3 operating modes;
• aromatization;
• emergency shutdown in case of strong tilt or rollover;
• low water level indication;
• Convenient to pour water.

Flaws

• no hygrometer;
• replace the filter every 3 months.

NeoClima NHL-060

Average price: 3180 rub.

There is only one power button on the humidifier body, which is also a fan speed control. A simple workhorse that effectively humidifies the air. According to consumer reviews, condensation accumulates around and inside the device.

Advantages

• low water level indication and auto shut-off;
• silence of work;
• unobtrusive lighting;
• Moisturizes a small room well.

Flaws

• signal volume;
• a puddle forms under the device;
• inconvenient to fill with water;
• no hygrometer.

Beurer LB 50

Average price: 6200 rub.

A steam humidifier has two steam supply intensities, and on the second it raises the room temperature by literally half a degree. It is easy to maintain, but you will have to do it often - scale forms inside the device, which must be disposed of in a timely manner.

Advantages

• demineralizing cartridge;
• aromatization;
• low water level indication with auto shut-off;
• ease of maintenance.

Boneco S450

Average price: 15990 rub.

Like all steam humidifiers, the Boneco is prone to scale build-up, which needs to be cleaned at least once a week. This disadvantage is compensated by the high level of moisture and the build quality of the device.

Advantages

• hygrostat;
• demineralizing cartridge;
• aromatization;
• display brightness depending on lighting conditions;
• two automatic humidity modes;
• timer;
• low water level indicator;
• good ergonomics.

Flaws

• high energy costs;
• noise level is above average;
• the need to get rid of scale;
• price.

Comparative characteristics of humidifier models

To choose an air humidifier for your apartment, we recommend that you first decide on the set of functions that you need. It is equally important that the model fits into the interior and is pleasing to the eye. We hope our rating will help you make the right choice.